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3 Things That Happen When You Stop Having Kidney Dialysis

For most patients, kidney dialysis is the best treatment option. This is particularly true for patients who can’t afford to get a transplant or those who haven’t found the right match yet. However, although this treatment can help prolong a patient’s life, it’s inevitable for some patients to stop undergoing one.

It can be due to the other underlying health conditions they have or the cost of the treatment. For some patients, they just want to receive palliative care. If you or a loved one is considering this transition, it’s essential that you read the rest of this article first. It will give you a clearer idea of what can happen once you stop having kidney dialysis.

1. Physical and Emotional Changes

Dialysis helps remove toxins from the body. Once it’s stopped, toxins can build up and uremia can happen. This can result in loss of appetite, restlessness and even hallucinations. Patients can also develop fluid accumulation which can congest their systems. They can ex and he can experience confusion.

2. Medicines Will Be Stopped

Because there’s no longer the need to treat the underlying medical condition, doctors can order your medications to be stopped. This will also prevent the medicine from accumulating in your body since there will be no more mechanism to flush them out. However, if the after-effects are too severe, you may be prescribed with medications to control the congestion, agitation and pain

Aside from this, forcing fluids or even food can be discouraged. Although you can be allowed to eat or drink, it’s still not recommended that you consume too much.

3. The Body Will Stop Functioning

As your kidneys continue to deteriorate, your internal organs and entire system can shut down a few days or weeks after. As you slip into unconsciousness, your brain and your heart can stop functioning. Most families consider this a peaceful death for their loved ones since it’s almost pain-free, quick and quiet.

Some patients prefer to end their dialysis treatment and go for palliative care instead. They can go to either a dedicated facility or their home where they can be with their loved ones for their remaining time. This gives them and their families with enough time to be together and express their gratitude to one another.

Conclusion

Patients with kidney disease get to decide what type of treatment they should go for. They also have the right to terminate it. Whatever decision they make, it’s essential that they get reminded of the possible risks and consequences of their actions. They should also be offered with a lot of support, especially during their last few days after the termination of their dialysis treatment.

3 Things That Happen When You Stop Having Kidney Dialysis was last modified: August 12th, 2016 by Admin